Porter: ‘Braun should suspend the excise tax’

Earlier this month, Gov. Mike Braun announced a 30-day suspension of the 17.2-cent sales tax on gasoline, leaving the 36-cent excise tax in place. According to Braun, legislative action is needed to suspend the excise tax. However, an analysis by the Legislative Services Agency (LSA) found nothing in statutory law or case law to confirm that the governor lacks the authority to suspend excise tax without legislative agreement.

“I support the sales tax suspension, but Hoosiers need more than a couple of dollars,” State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) said. “Prices have started to fall. But gas is expected to stay above $3 a gallon for the rest of the year. Prices go up like a rocket and come down like a feather. 

“Braun should suspend the excise tax. There’s nothing in the Indiana code or the constitution stopping him, only precedent. Suspending the excise and sales tax would save 53.2 cents a gallon. If you have a 16-gallon tank, that’s around $9 saved. 

“Indiana can afford this tax break, especially with the $700 million the governor will rake in with higher tolls. The ball is in the governor’s court.”